Chinese President Hu Jintao called on the public on Monday to hold the firm belief of victory over the weather crisis that is still plaguing the southern part of the country.

Hu also stressed that the public should not overlook the situation and task of the current relief work.

"We have to continue to put relief work as the top priority and carry it out in real earnest," Hu, who is also the general secretary of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee, said during his meeting on Monday with non-CPC personalities.

"To ensure transportation, electricity supply and people's livelihood are current priorities in relief work," Hu added.

China's democratic parties, All-China Federation of Industry and Commerce, and personalities of non-party affiliation have played an important role in the relief work, he said.

(Xinhua News Agency February 5, 2008)